7 part iGoogle Video Series walks you step by step on the computer screen through set up to getting the full potential. It's just one of the things you get when you become a Genealogy Gems Premium Member. Sign Up Today

Family History ExpoOn November 14 & 15 I'll be at the Family History Expo at the Mesa Conference Center in Mesa AZ. I'll be there teaching my 2 part class Google: A Goldmine of Genealogy Gems, and Iâll have the Genealogy Gems Podcast booth in the Exhibit Hall so I hope if you're in the area you will stop in and say "hi". For more information or to register.

WorldCat: I also wrote a blog recently called Getting the Most Out of WorldCat and I wanted to mention that there is going to be a Free seminar Oct 28 at 2PM Eastern / 11 AM Pacific online sponsored by WorldCat so I'll have a link to that posting so you can read all about it.

GEM: Interview with Yvette Arts, Director of Content Partnerships at World Vital Records

Strategies for getting the most out of World Vital Records from Yvette Arts:

First-time users/browsing: Perform a Basic Search. You'll get the largest search results by just searching by last name. Look over the results to narrow down all the possibilities. Try adding first name next. Some combinations of first and last names are more difficult to find exact matches for than others (e.g., John Smith). But if you have an unusual name like Jared Quackenbush the search will only return a few results.

Next, if you know the location enter a full state name in the Place search. There are some results in their databases, such as for Google Books, that may not come up via the geographic.

Don't forget to try alternative spelling for a surname.

If you descide to subscribe, I hope you'll do so here which helps support this free version of the podcast.

Additional Search Tips: Entering a date is best when you only give a year. If you already know a lot about an ancestor and now want to know specific information, try the Advanced Search. Use broad search terms, not an exact year of birth. Although you may know this information, mistakes may have been made in a document, or a first name may be abbreviated (e.g., Geo* is a good search term for George or J* may bring up a John that is otherwise listed as Jn). Excluding a source from a search because you have exact knowledge about an ancestor could lead to less accurate search results.

GEM: Profile America - Oct 24 is the anniversary of Chips the U.S. War Dog being awared the Distinguished Service Medal Interview with Mary Ann Whitley who's father Herson Lamont Whitley served with Chips the US War Dog

GEM: The MacGenealogist - In today's MacGenealogist Minute with Ben Sayer, Ben's continues his reviews of Genealogy software for the Macintosh computer with a review of iFamily for Leopard.

GEM: Name That Tune - I need your help. Several months ago I received a reel to reel tape that was recorded by my husband's Grandfather and Grandmother Cooke. I'm going to play one song on each episode in the hopes that one of you dear listener's will recognize the tune and email me with the name. Or leave a voice mail at 925-272-4021. Thanks!

Support the Show: With the holidays approaching thereâs a wonderful way for you to do your online shopping while supporting this show. By accessing websites like Amazon.com through the links on the Genealogy Gems homepage and through the website, Amazon gives The Genealogy Gems Podcast credit for your purchases. It doesn't cost you anythingmore, but by using the links on our website, you do a lot to help keep the free Genealogy Gems Podcast coming. Thank you!

"And this year I hit the jackpot when I was able to track down one of his long lost cousins who had a treasure trove of family history tucked away in the rafters of her garage." (Below: Bill and cousin)

Premium episode all about how to tap into your inner private eye to find those long lost living relatives.